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Lead Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Education and Experience Required: * 1-3 years Operator 3, Lead or equivalent experience * High School Diploma or GED * Must be able to comprehend and effectively communicate written and verbal ...

JOB FUNCTION/ PURPOSE The Lead Operator is responsible for training and overseeing the daily activities of Operators and solving complex operations problems and performing maintenance/operations ...

Education and Experience Required: * 1-3 years Operator 3, Lead or equivalent experience * High School Diploma or GED * Must be able to comprehend and effectively communicate written and verbal ...

To operate Cardline that produce fiber products in a safe and efficient manner following standard operating procedures. Qualifications BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Must be physically, mentally, and ...

The Lead assists the Production Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor in all manufacturing processes and procedures. Works in collaboration with employees, and management team to enforce safety and ...

GSOC Lead Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$24.40/hr

GSOC Lead Operator Job Locations US-TX-Houston Category (Portal Searching) Security Officer Level Workdays Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday Shifts Available Morning, Afternoon ...

As an Inventory Lead, you are responsible for monitoring and controlling the raw materials and ... operating procedures (SOPs) related to inventory and warehouse activities Investigating stock ...

Lead Operator

Boston, MA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Weston & Sampson Services is seeking a licensed Wastewater Operator with 5+ years of experience to support the operations and maintenance in and around the Cape Cod, MA area. What you'll do:

GSOC Lead Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$24.40/hr

The GSOC Lead Operator serves as the senior operator on shift and supports the GSOC Account Manager by ensuring daily GSOC operations are completed accurately, consistently, and in accordance with ...

Knowledge of basic operating machinery * Practice world class safety practices, every day. * Participate in monthly safety talks with production departments or as required. * Participate in quality ...

We are currently seeking experienced Lead Production Operators to work in the Gulf of Mexico. You will serve as a key role with your knowledge and experience in operating a variety of surface ...

$35 - $45/hr

Weston & Sampson Services is seeking a licensed Wastewater Operator with 5+ years of experience to support the operations and maintenance in and around the Cape Cod, MA area. What you'll do:

Lead Operator

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$22.50/hr

The Lead assists the Production Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor in all manufacturing processes and procedures. Works in collaboration with employees, and management team to enforce safety and ...

Lead Operator

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$22.50/hr

The Lead assists the Production Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor in all manufacturing processes and procedures. Works in collaboration with employees, and management team to enforce safety and ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Operator information

See salary details

$15

$24

$35

How much do lead operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead operator in the United States is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead operator?

To thrive as a Lead Operator, you need strong technical expertise in machine operation, process control, and a solid understanding of safety protocols, often supported by relevant industry certifications or vocational training. Familiarity with manufacturing software systems, SCADA, and maintenance management tools is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help you coordinate teams and manage production challenges efficiently. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and motivating teams to meet production targets.

What is the difference between Lead Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectLead OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often some technical trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training may be required
Work EnvironmentSupervises team, oversees operations, ensures safetyOperates machinery, follows operational procedures
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, oil & gas, and processing plantsCommon in manufacturing, construction, and production facilities

The main difference between a Lead Operator and a Machine Operator is that the Lead Operator typically supervises and coordinates the work of Machine Operators, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Machine Operators focus on operating specific machinery. Lead Operators often have additional responsibilities such as training team members and troubleshooting issues, making their role more supervisory within the same work environment.

What is a lead operator?

Lead Operators are experienced professionals who oversee the daily operations of a team or process within a manufacturing plant, industrial site, or similar setting. They are responsible for ensuring production runs smoothly, maintaining safety standards, and providing guidance to other operators. In addition to monitoring equipment and processes, Lead Operators often train new employees, troubleshoot issues, and communicate with management about production goals and challenges. Their leadership helps ensure efficiency, quality, and safety in the workplace.

How does a lead operator typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth production processes?

Lead Operators play a crucial role in cross-departmental collaboration by coordinating with maintenance, quality assurance, and logistics teams to address production issues promptly and maintain workflow efficiency. They often facilitate communication between operators and management, relay production targets, and help resolve bottlenecks. Regular meetings and shift handovers are common practices to keep all stakeholders aligned, ensuring that production goals are met while maintaining safety and quality standards.
More about Lead Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Operator jobs? Cities with the most Lead Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Operator jobs? The most popular types of Lead Operator jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Operator jobs? The top employers for Lead Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Lead Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,047 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


BD rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Company Description
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. We have over 65,000 employees and a presence in virtually every country around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues.
Job Description
Job Summary
As an expert in all Manufacturing processes, ensures production schedules are met, high quality products are produced, inventory levels are actively managed, equipment is serviced and maintained as required to ensure optimal uptime, and accurate documentation is maintained. Ensures adequate trained staffing to operate all work areas required to replenish Kanban or meet production schedules on a daily basis.
Principal Accountabilities:
  • Responsible for attaining weekly production goals by defining the daily schedule sequence and allocating the appropriate resources.
  • Manages and escalates exceptions as appropriate.
  • Maintains current technical knowledge base for manufacturing processes.
  • Driving improvements on a daily basis as part of standard work processes, participating in improvement projects, and implementing the output from improvement projects.
  • Forms strong working relationships with other departments.
  • Ensures all manufacturing documentation/reconciliation is completed as required per FSP.
  • Advocates a proactive approach to next-level Safety performance, seeking to continually identify and eliminate risky conditions/behaviors/processes before an accident happens.
  • Executes manufacturing plans according to schedules or in response to visual pull signals.
  • Operates independently on a daily basis, requiring continual interactions with area Supervisors/Leads/Quality/Planners/Buyers across manufacturing operations.

Qualifications
Qualifications:
Education and Experience Required:
  • 1-3 years Operator 3, Lead or equivalent experience
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must be able to comprehend and effectively communicate written and verbal instructions and provide leadership within a team environment
  • Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Proficient with SAP
  • May supervise from seven to fifteen Manufacturing associates depending on business needs and organizational structure.

Additional Information
For many roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company's receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, weekly testing for COVID-19 may be available instead of vaccination. Consistent with BD's Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.
Why join us?
A career at BD means being part of a team that values your opinions and contributions and that empowers you to bring your authentic self to work. Here our associates can fulfill their life's purpose through the work that they do every day.
You will learn and work alongside inspirational leaders and colleagues who are equally passionate and committed to fostering an inclusive, growth-centered, and rewarding culture. Our Total Rewards program - which includes competitive pay, benefits, continuous learning, recognition, career growth, and life balance components - is designed to support the varying needs of our diverse and global associates.
To learn more about BD visit https://jobs.bd.com/
Becton, Dickinson and Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status.
your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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About BD

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BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. We have over 65,000 employees and a presence in virtually every country around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues.

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing and manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin Lakes, NJ, US

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